Slumping Jets Face Surging Maple Leafs on New Year’s Day TORONTO (Interstat) — Two teams on divergent paths will meet when the Winnipeg Jets visit the Toronto Maple Leafs in a New Year’s Day NHL matchup Thursday at Scotiabank Arena. The Jets (15-22-0) arrive mired in a prolonged slump, having lost eight of their last nine games. Their most recent outing was a 3-1 home loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. Captain Adam Lowry provided the lone goal in that defeat and has been a rare bright spot, scoring in two of his last four games. In contrast, the Maple Leafs (18-21-0) have found momentum, winning four of their last five contests. They are coming off a dominant 4-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, powered by a 33-save performance from goaltender Joseph Woll. Woll is expected to start and has been central to Toronto’s resurgence, posting a 5-1-0 record with a .941 save percentage in his last six appearances. His hot streak provides a stark contrast to Winnipeg’s recent struggles to generate offense; the Jets have been held to two or fewer goals in five of their last seven games. The Jets will need to solve Woll to reverse their fortunes. Beyond Lowry, consistent scoring has been elusive. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who made just 15 saves on 17 shots against Edmonton, will likely need to be sharper against a Toronto attack that has averaged 4.4 goals per game during its 4-1 run. This game opens a critical home-and-home set between the clubs, who will meet again in Winnipeg on Jan. 17. For the Jets, it begins a three-game road trip as they desperately seek to stabilize their season. For the Maple Leafs, it’s a chance to continue climbing back toward .500 on home ice. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the projection favors the home side’s current form, predicting a 3-1 victory for Toronto. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.